After months of heavy foot traffic, flu season, and mystery spills, schools and universities need more than a quick wipe-down. They need a deep, strategic clean. And it isn’t just about making things look nice. It’s about resetting the entire environment for a fresh start in the fall and keeping things in good shape for summer activities.
Wondering where to start? Here’s your ultimate end-of-school-year cleaning checklist broken down by the most populated areas in your building:
Classrooms
Desks have seen everything from lunch crumbs to artists gone rogue. It’s time to reset.
- Disinfect desks, chairs, and all high-touch surfaces
- Deep clean whiteboards and smart boards
- Dust vents, shelves, and light fixtures
- Remove gum
- Vacuum carpets and/or strip and wax floors
- Clean inside desks and storage units
- Sanitize door handles and light switches
Science Labs
If there’s one place you don’t want to cut corners, it’s in the areas where chemicals can linger.
- Safely clean and sanitize lab tables and equipment
- Dispose of any approved leftover materials (per regulations)
- Clean sinks, faucets, and eyewash stations
- Wipe down storage cabinets and chemical areas
- Polish glass surfaces and remove residue buildup
Hallways & Common Areas
The most frequently used spaces in any school are top priorities for thorough cleaning at the end of the year.
- Machine-scrub and polish floors
- Spot-clean and wash walls
- Clean lockers (inside and out)
- Dust vents, signage, and display cases
- Sanitize railings, door frames, and handles
Cafeteria
It’s no surprise that the cafeteria is one of the busiest and messiest areas in the entire building.
- Deep clean and sanitize all tables and seating
- Degrease floors and under equipment
- Clean kitchen prep areas and serving lines
- Sanitize trays, carts, and beverage stations
- Empty and disinfect trash and recycling bins
Gymnasiums & Locker Rooms
Thanks to the buildup of sweat, bacteria, and odors, gyms and locker rooms require thorough cleaning and disinfection to maintain a healthy environment.
- Deep clean and refinish gym floors
- Disinfect bleachers and equipment
- Sanitize locker interiors and benches
- Scrub showers, tile, and grout
- Eliminate odors (not just cover them up)
Auditoriums & Theaters
After assemblies, performances, and events, it’s time for a refresh.
- Vacuum and spot-clean seating
- Dust curtains, stage areas, and lighting rigs
- Clean sound and tech booths
- Polish floors and entryways
- Sanitize armrests and railings
Windows & Glass
Clean, streak-free windows and glass surfaces are essential for letting in natural light, improving visibility, and maintaining a professional appearance throughout the building.
- Perform interior and exterior window cleaning
- Clean glass doors and partitions
- Dust and wipe window sills and frames
Restrooms
Germs and bacteria can easily spread through the bathroom, so it requires thorough, detailed cleaning and disinfection.
- Disinfect all fixtures, partitions, and surfaces
- Deep clean tile and grout
- Refill dispensers and replace worn supplies
- Eliminate odors
- Polish mirrors and chrome
Offices & Administrative Areas
Although the students aren’t frequenting these areas, the faculty’s spaces deserve just as much attention.
- Dust and sanitize desks, electronics, and phones
- Clean upholstery and carpets
- Organize and wipe storage areas
- Sanitize shared equipment (printers, copiers, etc.)
Hire a Professional Janitorial Service for Your Year-End School Cleaning
Sure, you could try to tackle this checklist in-house. But between limited staff, time constraints, and the need for specialized equipment, it’s easy for things to get missed. Commercial cleaning companies use professional-grade equipment, proven disinfection methods, and a detail-oriented approach to ensure nothing gets overlooked.
At Office Express Janitorial Services, Inc., we offer top-notch cleaning at a fair price, with standards set by best practices and procedures established by OSHA. Looking for the best janitorial services for your school or university? Contact Office Express Janitorial Services, Inc. today.